Rapper/actor Romeo’s college basketball dreams have been shattered by sanctions placed on the University of Southern California for rules violations. USC’s sports programs were severely penalised last year after college sports officials declared teams, players and coaches had broken rules and regulations regarding the illegal payment of players and their families.

Romeo quit the school’s basketball team after winning the regional Pac-10 championship with USC – because the sanctions included pulling all the college sports squads out of championship contention for two seasons.

He says, “I wanted to further my education but we couldn’t win, so I wanted to come back to the entertainment industry… I did two years of that (college basketball) and now I wanna come back to my fans.

“I’m still in school… I’m in a film and business program. I’m just not playing basketball, so I have more time to do what I love to do.”

Romeo’s first big role after giving up basketball will be as a contestant on U.S. TV show Dancing with the Stars.

The young star will attempt to balance his school studies with dance lessons, rehearsals and the show itself.

He’ll compete with the likes of Kirstie Alley and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in the upcoming series.